Ralph DeSantis

February 7, 2014

Mr. Ralph DeSantis, 93, of Gloversville, passed away February 4, 2014, in Stuart, Florida, while visiting his son and daughter-in-law. Born August 18, 1920, in Gloversville to the late Vincent and Mary Caputo DeSantis, he was educated in Gloversville schools and learned the glove-making trade from his father. With the American entry into the second World War in 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served in the European theater of war.

Mr. DeSantis was known and recognized by many as an extremely skilled and efficient glove cutter, and worked at a number of prominent glove companies, including Louis Meyers & Sons, Fownes and Alexette, the forerunner of Grandoe. He and his brother, Jerry, opened DeSantis' Restaurant on Forest Street in Gloversville the early 1960s and he later opened a beverage store on the corner of Eighth Avenue and North Main Street.

He was devoted to his wife of 66 years, Marion Visconti DeSantis of Gloversville, whom he married on June 7, 1947. For him, providing a quality life for his family and opening doors of opportunity for his five children was a lifelong mission. He instilled in them an appreciation for the value of education and the benefits of self-discipline and a strong work ethic. But, far from being overly strict, he provided a loving home filled with laughter and activity.

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Mr. DeSantis

In addition to being survived by his wife Marion, he leaves five children, Vincent DeSantis of Gloversville, Frank DeSantis (Paula) of Peck Lake, Jerry DeSantis (Andrea) of Oswego, Ralph DeSantis and his life partner Victor Pardo of Brooklyn, and Mary DeSantis of Saratoga Springs. He is also survived by his sister, Julia DiMezza of Gloversville and 12 grandchildren, Susan DeSantis, Cora DeSantis, Jason DeSantis, Frank DeSantis, Michael DeSantis, Jonathan DeSantis, Jeffrey DeSantis, Mark DeSantis, Kemal DeSantis, James DeSantis and stepgrandson Dorian Brumaghim. Additional survivors include several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Jerry DeSantis; and two sisters, Evelyn DeSantis and Emmanuella Chapleau; as well as a grandson, Jemal DeSantis.

A prayer service will be held 12:15 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2014, at Kobuskie-Konik Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St., Gloversville, and at 1 p.m. a funeral mass will be celebrated at the Church of The Holy Spirit, 149 S. Main St., Gloversville. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville.